Chelsea faces their second London derby within a week, and Enzo Maresca will hope to end this one as a winner. Last time out, it was a stale performance against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace, but this match is more favorable for the Blues.
West Ham started the season poorly. They were completely outplayed by newly promoted Sunderland. With three goals from former Championship players, it doesn't look great for the Hammers.
If their opening weekend is anything to go by, West Ham won't pose much a goal threat to Chelsea. The Blues have plenty of goal threats in their team, especially with Nicolas Jackson returning to contention... But will he even play? That's the question.
Chelsea predicted XI to face West Ham
In goal, Robert Sanchez will start his second Premier League on the bounce.
On the right-hand side of defense, Reece James is expected to take the starting slot. The objective for Chelsea is to keep him fit, but in the Premier League, James' world-class quality will always be called upon.
Josh Acheampong will step up yet again. The Chelsea defense has saw an unfortunate injury blow, with several key players missing. Thankfully, Acheampong is more than capable of starting league matches.
Much like against Crystal Palace, it will be Trevoh Chalobah who partners Acheampong. The two center-backs will hope to keep their second clean sheet.
Off the left and to complete the defense, Marc Cucurella will operate business as usual.
Bridging the gap between defense and attack, it will be the two most important players for Chelsea: Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Big money players, and they put in big money performances.
Just ahead of Caicedo and Fernandez, but just behind the center forward, it will be Cole Palmer. He needs absolutely no introduction, and he'll see this as an opportunity to bag the first of many goals this season.
Speaking of goals, it will be Joao Pedro who gets the nod ahead of the returning Nicolas Jackson at center forward. With Jackson expected to move away, it makes no sense to start him over Chelsea's future.
Estevao should be handed his first Premier League start for Chelsea off the left. On the other flank, it will be Pedro Neto.
So, all in all, only one change is expected from the opening game against Crystal Palace. The 0-0 stalemate was through no fault of the players, so Enzo Maresca will trust the process at large. It will be Estevao's turn to make his full league debut.
Chelsea predicted XI vs West Ham: Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer; Neto, Pedro, Estevao